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Abstract:
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Ranges widely over the unique and often hidden position of women in relation to society, from ancient cultures up to the time of writing. Touches upon every continent and explores the role of women in the growth of civilization, as well as the impact of religion, law, and the private and public expectations and demands of men on them. Individual chapters are devoted to such topics as slavery, the depiction of women in literature, and marriage customs (including, by extension, the treatment by different societies of adultery and divorce). The societal responsibilities of women as mothers, wives, and daughters are analyzed from both an anthropological and psychological point of view. There are also brief biographies of, among others, Cleopatra, Sappho, George Sand, and the Empress Galla Placidia. |